Strong relationships are a building block to overcoming depression
In last month’s introductory post, I brought up several methods that can help someone cope with depression. One of these coping mechanisms was developing supportive relationships. Oftentimes when dealing with something like depression, eating disorders, cutting, and thoughts of suicide, it can be easy to feel alone, and separate from the world. Shutting down and blocking out everyone, especially those closest to you, is a common side effect from... Read More
Deadly Liaisons: Morocco and the HIV virus
Should you happen to be a male tourist indulging in a spot of Moroccan nightlife and not be aware of its somewhat seedier side, you could be forgiven for thinking that the cities are brimming with beautiful, single Moroccan women that just happen to find you utterly irresistible. Yet for many of these seductive women, their glamourous exteriors hide a truth that is dangerous and often stigmatised, and that many in society deem disgusting and shameful.... Read More
Wedding Photo Booths: Silly or Seductive?
I wanted to take a moment to reflect this week on an issue that has been brought to my attention via my bridesmaids. It was a plea for advice (and its subsequent response) on maybe one of the best advice columns ever, Dear Prudence. It goes something like this: Q. Photo Booth Reveals an Affair: My husband and I hired a photo booth for our friends to use at our wedding. Last Saturday we received a CD with all of our guests’ pictures on it. Much... Read More
Kiss and Do Tell
The past two articles posted on Go Girl have been about identity as both a feminist and a religious person. Erica’s post on Friday discussed her identity as a Catholic feminist; Emily wrote earlier today about being a Mormon feminist. As a Catholic feminist myself, I understand the conflict of these two identities. Quite generally, I understand how it feels to be a complex human with ethical beliefs that do not often coincide perfectly with... Read More
Mum’s the Word
. . .. Carnivale Chicago, Photo Courtesy of sweetchicevents.com Marvin and I picked Carnivale Chicago for our wedding reception. We are so excited to get our party on in the most colorful, festive atmosphere ever. The only person who was seemingly not excited was my mother, who claimed to have a conflict with her church picnic on that day. She threatened not to come to the wedding…something that seemed both unfathomable and highly... Read More
En Garde! Disagreeing at a Distance
Disagreement is a part of life. A good argument results in positive feelings at its close. It leaves both participants with the sense that each has not only spoken his or her piece, not only listened to the other, but learned. This learning may be about the partner or may consist in a stretching of the self, an expansion of perspective, so that the world seems simultaneously bigger and more manageable. A good argument is like a journey on which you... Read More
Veteran’s Day
My boyfriend, Marvin, woke me up yesterday like it was Christmas. “You haven’t said ‘happy birthday’ to me yet!” He exclaimed, a 25 year-old man with the look of a child in his eyes. As any US Marine Corps girlfriend knows, November 10th was the Marine Corps birthday. I still haven’t gotten over the weirdness of the fact that every Marine thinks the Marine Corps birthday is also his or her own birthday, too. Apparently,... Read More
Shrinking the Distance
All too often long-distance relationships (LDRs) become a countdown to the next visit; it’s hard to avoid the feeling that all you do is wait. Don’t let a LDR become all about the distance. You’re in a relationship for a reason! And every day is an opportunity to get to know your partner a little better. So quit your pining and check out the list below of fun things to do together in a LDR. A computer, Internet access, and a web camera make... Read More
It’s How You Say Hello
Skype bloops. AIM chimes. The little window in my campus mailbox shows the skinny side of a letter. As you’ve heard, communication is key. In a long-distance relationship (LDR) that cliché deserves to be revamped to five times its normal strength, because communication is power. I can’t hold John’s hand when I’m frustrated with him or receive a shoulder rub when I’m stressed. I can’t see the slight shift in his eyes when he’s teasing... Read More
Real Life and the Beginning
I smiled to hear him say he would be with me on Saturday night. I had been invited to a party off-campus and wanted him to meet friends and to share a laid-back party atmosphere with him. Each night that week I heard carnival noises from four blocks away and already had our Sunday night planned: we would spend it in the humid air, holding hands through the aisles of carnival games and shows, under the flashing lights of the tall rides. But if there... Read More
